We hear it from caregivers a lot: “My parent has moved in with me and I’m so busy that I can’t give them the attention they need.” It’s not your fault. The demands of work and family are a lot for anyone to handle, and then add to that a retired parent who was very successful and used to being busy suddenly having not much to do.

It’s important for seniors to stay active. According to Statistics Canada, “Epidemiological studies suggest that social activities may be particularly important for older adults. The possible health benefits include reduced risk of mortality,disability and depression, and better cognitive health, self-rated health and health-related behaviours.” But how can you make sure your parent is getting all that?

For many families, the answer is–volunteering. Is your father great at arts and crafts? Maybe he’d enjoy volunteering with Creative Kids. Is your mother something of an international diplomat with a great head for business? She might enjoy working with Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit that works with artisans from all over the world, promoting free-trade.

There are dozens of nonprofits in Saskatchewan that would love to have your parents on board and would more than appreciate the wealth of knowledge they’ve accumulated over their professional lives. Best of all, the health benefits are immeasurable.

Providence Place is a quality long-term care, geriatric assessment and day program facility with our focus on elder care. Providence Place began the geriatric and long-term care services on May 27, 1995 when a new 188 bed facility was constructed. Providence Place currently has 160 long term care beds, as well as 14 beds in the Geriatric Assessment Rehabilitation Unit.